Hopkins named 2012 Wuerffel Trophy finalist

Florida State's Dustin Hopkins is already a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award, CoSIDA All-Academic Region 4 and Senior CLASS Award finalist in 2012 and now the senior kicker is finalist for the Wuerffel Trophy, which is given annually to the one college football player the best combines athletic and academic success with community service.

Courtesy of the All Sports Association:

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. -- The All Sports Association, Inc. announced today the 8 finalists for the 2012 Wuerffel Trophy, the national award that honors the college football player who best combines exemplary community service with outstanding academic and athletic achievement.

The award is named after former Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, who led the Florida Gators to the 1996 national championship, played six years in the National Football League and has received national recognition for his humanitarian and community service efforts with Desire Street Ministries in New Orleans and around the country.

"The All Sports Association membership is honored to recognize the 2012 Wuerffel Trophy finalists and nominees," commented All Sports President Chad Hamilton. "These student athletes embody the Wuerffel Trophy traits of service, character, and excellence, and they are outstanding ambassadors for college football."

The finalists, who were nominated by their schools' sports information directors or football liaisons, are (listed alphabetically by university):

Riley Nelson, Senior - Quarterback - Brigham Young

Cody Wilson, Senior - Wide Receiver - Central Michigan

Dustin Hopkins, Senior - Kicker - Florida State

Aaron Murray, Senior - Quarterback - Georgia

Matt Smith, Senior - Center - Kentucky

Ben Buchanan, Senior - Punter - Ohio State

Gabe Ikard, Junior - Offensive Line - Oklahoma

Matt Barkley, Senior - Quarterback - Southern California

A committee that includes the Wuerffel Trophy national directors, selection committee members and past winners, will vote on the finalists later this month, and the winner will be formally announced on December 4th. "It seems like every year the bios of these young men get more and more amazing. And this year is no different. I continue to be greatly encouraged by all the things these guys do to serve others," said Danny Wuerffel.